The family dinner is an iconic American tradition, one that’s been in place for centuries, and has even been immortalized in Norman Rockwell paintings. However, due to the commitments and distractions of modern life, eating a meal together is becoming more and more difficult to coordinate. Often, it’s easier to just leave a pizza on the kitchen counter and let everyone grab slices as they come and go. But while it takes a lot of time and effort, research has shown that kids and families reap huge benefits from eating meals together on a regular basis—and we’ve gathered 50 of those reasons below. To read more, check out the in depth sources linked within the list.

The benefits of family dinners may include:

1. Spending more quality family time together and increasing the number of face-to-face interactions.

2. Providing time for family members of all ages to connect frequently even though they have many other commitments outside the home.

3. Creating family traditions and memories, such as going around the table each night and sharing one thing you are grateful for.

4. Developing a family identity through communal meals. See how this family adheres to a Paleo lifestyle together.